WWE Raw: WrestleMania Build Feels Repetitive & Uninspired | 3 Things We Hated, 3 We Loved

Roman Reigns will challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42, following Reigns’ victory in the men’s Royal Rumble on February 1, 2026, in Saudi Arabia. The confirmation of the championship match comes as WWE prepares for WrestleMania 42, a two-night event scheduled for April 18 and 19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Road to WrestleMania 42 is currently underway, with recent episodes of Raw and SmackDown setting the stage for key matchups. Liv Morgan won the women’s Royal Rumble and will soon announce which women’s championship she will challenge for – either the Raw Women’s Championship or the SmackDown Women’s Championship.

Recent storylines have focused on escalating tensions between Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman, culminating in Rollins’ arrest. Segments featuring masked individuals believed to be associated with Rollins are anticipated in the coming weeks, as Heyman reportedly fears retribution from Rollins.

The Women’s World Championship match between Stephanie Vaquer and Liv Morgan is also developing, marked by physical confrontations. Recent episodes of SmackDown have featured backstage brawls between the two competitors, including an incident where Vaquer attacked Morgan during her entrance alongside Dominik Mysterio.

WWE’s schedule leading up to WrestleMania includes stops in cities across the United States. SmackDown aired February 6 in Charlotte, North Carolina and Raw on February 9 in Cleveland, Ohio. Further episodes are scheduled for February 13 in Dallas, Texas; February 16 in Memphis, Tennessee; February 20 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; February 23 in Atlanta, Georgia; February 27 in Louisville, Kentucky; March 2 in Indianapolis, Indiana; March 6 in Portland, Oregon; March 9 in Seattle, Washington; March 13 in Phoenix, Arizona; and March 16 in San Antonio, Texas.

The Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event (PLE) is scheduled for February 28 in Chicago, Illinois. A special WWE Road to WrestleMania Live Event took place on February 14 in Lubbock, Texas.